Our why
“Humans are more important than hardware. People – not equipment – make the critical difference. The right people, highly trained and working as a team, will accomplish the mission with the equipment available. On the other hand, the best equipment in the world cannot compensate for a lack of the right people.” (SOF Truths)
At the heart of Task Force Dagger are our PEOPLE – they are the lifeblood of our organization. The families we support, along with our staff, volunteers, and donors, are what collectively drives everything we do as a Foundation. Working together and synchronized on the same mission, we can continue to make and outsized impact the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community.
Through our own personal experience as special operators, family members, and supporters, we recognize that all of our people (from the SOF community we support and within our organization) need three key elements within their lives – Mission, Purpose, and Focus.
MISSION
Everyone needs a MISSION in life – a direction to move, tasks to accomplish, and bonds to be formed in support of larger accomplishment. On active duty, SOF personnel have an ingrained and noble mission that is second to none. Daily effort is critical, and every decision can impact our country and the lives of their comrade to the left and right. When they retire or separate from the military, there is a sudden removal of that sense of mission, and many struggle to initially find their new mission for post-military life. Task Force Dagger helps throughout this time of uncertainty, providing the tools and atmosphere to move forward positively toward their next mission.
PURPOSE
Having a mission gives our lives PURPOSE – a greater meaning to our lives that connects our effort to something bigger than ourselves. We find a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment from our sense of purpose and a lack of purpose can leave veterans feeling adrift without a spark or hope for meaning in the future. Purpose spurs us forward and gives us an underlying reason for action each day. Purpose, like mission, can also be shared amongst a team or family, providing a reason for shared effort and building a cohesiveness through accomplishment. Task Force Dagger recognizes the criticality of purpose and provides opportunities for special operators and their families to grow together towards common goals.
FOCUS
Having a real mission and purpose for our lives enables us to FOCUS on what is important. It drives us to accomplish great tasks and leave a mark and a legacy. Concentrating our Focus on our Mission and Purpose allows us to see what really matters in everyday life, while seeking opportunity in the future. It allows us to be grateful for what we have and build meaningful personal and professional connections. Our Focus also helps us recognize those around us that lack Mission, Purpose, and Focus, and allows us to help others find their path.
The people we support
The SOF community has absorbed much of the burden during the recent conflict. They are first in, last out, and adopt an intense training and deployment tempo that has a ripple effect on their families and their health. The needs of these families and service members are the top priority for Task Force Dagger and the foundation of our programs.
Task Force Dagger is committed to serving all past and current members of the Special Operations Enterprise, regardless of Service Component or job function. We serve special operations families from across Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Joint Service Commands.
Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation was founded and is operated by members of the SOF community. We understand the complexities of the long journey to physical and family wellness. At Task Force Dagger, we are doing our best but we need you to help us meet the emerging needs. The people we support are our teammates and families. If we aren’t there to help them, who will be?
Ways you can help:
1. Contribute. One-time or monthly. Your donation can be a one-time donation, or it can be a recurring monthly donation. Whatever the amount, it adds up and every penny truly counts. In addition, you can ask the company where you work to nominate Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation as a charity to support. This is truly a team effort, and we need your help.
2. Help spread the word. You can help raise funds by raising awareness of what we do. There is no better advertising than word-of-mouth recommendations. Help us get the word out. Getting the word out includes talking with people and sharing on social media. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
3. Become a sponsor. Support nearly 1,000 SOF and family members with critical services to heal, rebuild, and strengthen. Benefits of sponsorship include company recognition on Task Force Dagger website, social media channels, and newsletters, and admission to special events and symposiums. Contact Jillian Andrews at Jillian.Andrews@taskforcedagger.org for sponsorship information.
We are all part of the solution. Please help make our mission possible.